Mastoiditis

1. The mastoid bone is one of the most significant structures in your inner ear.
2. The mastoid air cells are supposed to protect the sensitive ear structures, regulate ear pressure, and protect the temporal bone in the case of a trauma.
3. However, Mastoiditis develops when the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed, usually due to an untreated middle ear infection.

Causes

1. A Cholesteatoma, a benign development of skin cells in the middle ear, can occasionally form an obstruction, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause Mastoiditis.
2. A middle ear infection that is left untreated is the most prevalent cause of Mastoiditis. Without therapy, it can spread to your inner ear, infecting the sacs of the Mastoid bone.

Symptoms 

1. Fever might be high or increase suddenly
2. Drooping and Swelling of the ear. Inflammation of the ear lobe
3. Irritation and tiredness
4. Hear loss in the affected ear.
5. Redness,tenderness, pain behind the ear.
6. Discharge from the ear.
7. Headache

Prevention and Disease reduction

1. Receiving good treatment for ear infections is the best method to avoid Mastoiditis.
2. Antibiotics left over from a previous infection should not be taken. It is vital to use the appropriate antibiotics for each condition.
3. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, complete the entire course of treatment as recommended, even if improvement in symptoms is noticed. Administering a partial dose may result in the reappearance of the infection.
4. To lower your chances of getting an ear infection, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid contact with sick people.

When to See a Doctor?

1. Consult a doctor if you have the following
2. Symptoms like fever, inflammation, discomfort, irritation, hearing loss, redness, etc., persist for more than a few days to months.
3. If you have a previous history of ear infections and notice similar symptoms.
4. If the condition is interfering with day-to-day life.

Risk if not treated in time

Delay in treatment may result in complications like 

1. Paralysis of the face
2. An abscess in the temporal lobe of the brain, skull and neck muscle.
3. Vertigo, nausea, and vomiting
4. Change in vision or headache due to clots in the brain.
5. Sepsis is a condition that spreads throughout your body.
6. Meningitis

Diagnosis

The Doctor performs physical Examination, Blood tests and imaging tests to diagnose Mastoiditis.

1. Physical Examination: Examination is performed to check for signs and symptoms of fever, pain, fluid draining from the ear etc.
2. Blood Tests: Complete blood count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, and C-reactive Protein tests are recommended to diagnose Mastoiditis.
3. CT Scan: This imaging test may be required to determine the degree of the infection, any complications on the skull, the influence on the mastoid bone, the amount of fluid in the middle ear, and whether an abscess exists

Treatment 

Treatment includes medications or surgery depending upon the condition.

1. Medications: Mastoiditis is usually treated with antibiotics. The majority of people require IV treatment, which usually necessitates hospitalization. If the initial round of treatment fails, the Doctor may perform culture tests to detect the bacteria responsible and provide treatment accordingly.
2. Surgery
3. Myringotomy: This procedure involves drilling a hole in the eardrum and emptying the fluid. This treatment may involve inserting tubes into the eardrum in children. Antibiotics, either oral or IV, are also required.
4. Mastoidectomy with Tympanoplasty: A Mastoidectomy may be required if a complication occurs, such as a blood clot or an abscess, or a swollen mass of infected fluid. When an ear infection spreads to your skull, Mastoidectomy is performed. Cholesteatoma, a noncancerous tumour that grows beneath your eardrum due to recurrent ear infections, is also treated with this surgery. A Tympanoplasty is an eardrum repair procedure.

Recovery after the Surgery

It takes six to twelve weeks to recover from a full Mastoidectomy. Most people, however, may return to work, school, and other normal activities in one to two weeks.

1. Hearing loss in the inner ear 
2. Injury to the facial nerves, which can result in facial weakness or paralysis
3. A flavor change that can last several months (Dysgeusia)
4. Ringing of the ear(Tinnitus)